Independent Technical Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is a leading global environmental authority established in 197

• UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Independent Technical Advisor will play a pivotal role in the assessment team for the Open Call for Proposals aimed at digitalising flexible and resilient energy systems. This position is critical as it addresses the intersection of climate change and economic recovery, focusing on the energy sector, which is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. The advisor will be involved in scoring, shortlisting, conducting due diligence, and participating in the negotiation and contracting phases for selected proposals. The role requires a deep understanding of the energy sector's challenges and opportunities, particularly in relation to the integration of renewable energy sources and the digital transformation of energy systems. The advisor will support the selection process for innovative proposals that aim to enhance the flexibility and resilience of energy grids, ensuring that they can effectively accommodate renewable energy sources and contribute to sustainable growth in line with the Paris Agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Independent Technical Advisor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participate in the assessment team for the Open Call for Proposals, providing technical expertise and insights during the scoring and shortlisting process.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on proposals to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for selection.
• Engage in negotiations and contracting phases with selected project teams, ensuring clarity and alignment on project objectives and deliverables.
• Collaborate with other technical experts to evaluate proposals from specific countries, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each submission.
• Provide recommendations based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of proposals, considering the technical, legal, regulatory, and market aspects relevant to the energy sector in the specified countries.
• Support the Project Manager of the Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, of UNEP in all aspects of the proposal assessment process.
• Stay updated on developments in climate finance, renewable energy, and digital technologies to inform the assessment process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master's degree or equivalent in fields such as engineering, management, finance, economics, energy, or closely related disciplines. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project development, structuring, feasibility, or evaluation in the climate finance sector is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in climate change, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, along with familiarity with the technical, legal, regulatory, and market aspects of the energy sector in countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Strong analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative, are essential, as is the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as engineering, management, finance, economics, or energy. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate finance and energy systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in project development, structuring, feasibility, or evaluation specifically within the climate finance sector. Experience working in emerging markets is considered an asset, as is prior experience with international organizations, which would provide valuable insights into global practices and standards in the energy sector.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not detailed in the job posting, proficiency in English is typically expected in international organizations like UNEP. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the countries involved in the proposals (such as Portuguese for Brazil, French for Morocco and Tunisia, and others) may be advantageous but is not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This policy ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.